Factors Affecting Abundance of Beaver Dams in Forested Landscapes

摘要: Beavers are ecosystem engineers that contribute to landscape heterogeneity in North American boreal forests. Despite the importance of beavers on landscapes, beaver distribution is still poorly understood, particularly at large spatial scales and different ecoregions. The goal our study was determine main environmental features affecting dam abundance across We quantified dams Quebec forests using 257 systematically distributed provincial forestry maps, which we sampled 1025 plots 25 km2 an area several orders magnitude larger than previous studies. area, covering over 300,000 km2, spanned six ecoregions (Appalachians, Meridional Laurentians, Central Abitibi James Bay Lowlands, Mistassini, Anticosti Island). constructed 17 candidate regression models a negative binomial with variables based hypotheses explain abundance. mean stream gradient top variable influencing abundance, followed by cover non-forested land. However, there substantial variability among ecoregions, as included random effect hardwood ranked higher without these variables. conclude such regional variation factors patterns should be taken into account when establishing management plans.